12 DAY RAIL, ROCKIES, AND OCEAN CIRCLE EXPLORER
CANADIAN ROCKIES TRAIN TRIP
Departing and returning to Vancouver this comprehensive Western Canada itinerary combines Rocky Mountaineer, VIA Rail and BC Ferries to see the Canadian Rockies, Northern British Columbia, the inside passage and Vancouver Island.
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Start Location: Vancouver
End Location: Vancouver
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Evening wildlife safari
- Discover Banff guided tour
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
- Columbia Icefields tour
- Ice Explorer ride
- Grizzly bear tour (season dependent) OR whale watching excursion
- Jasper SkyTram elevation pass
- BC Ferry full day boat trip through the Inside Passage to Vancouver Island
- Butchart Gardens
- Choice of Victoria activity (whale watching excursion OR zipline adventure)
- Royal BC Museum
- Rocky Mountaineer
- VIA Rail
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SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Vancouver — Kamloops on board Rocky Mountaineer (SilverLeaf)
This morning depart onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia's interior. Todays journey will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains.
Overnight: Kamloops
Day 2: Vancouver — Kamloops onboard Rocky Mountaineer (SilverLeaf)
Continue eastward with Rocky Mountaineer to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. You will see a spectacular range of scenery as you travel across ranch lands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight: Banff
Day 3: Banff Sightseeing (Small Coach)
Join a small group tour and visit Banff's landmarks and historic places. The afternoon is free to explore Banff at your leisure; a pass is included to take a ride up the Banff Gondola. In the evening travel through a variety of landscapes on a small group evening wildlife safari.
Overnight: Banff
Day 4: Banff — Lake Louise (Coach)
Travel along the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon. Visit Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks before crossing the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via the scenic Kicking Horse Pass and Takakkaw Falls. Overnight at the jewel of the Rockies, stunning Lake Louise.
Overnight: Lake Louise
Day 5: Lake Louise — Jasper via Columbia Icefield (Small Coach)
Travel to Jasper along one of the most scenic drives in North America - the Columbia Icefields Parkway. This is home for black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, mountain goats and sheep. Visit the Columbia Icefield, a series of glaciers 325 square kilometres in area, where time is allowed for an Ice Explorer ride onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 6: Jasper — Prince George on board VIA Rail
This morning ride the Jasper SkyTram to the top of Whistlers Mountain. In the afternoon embark on a memorable rail journey across British Columbia's Caribou region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pass the cloud-veiled peak of Mount Robson and watch the horizons widen as the train descends from the Rockies onto the rugged interior plateau.
Overnight: Prince George
Day 7: Prince George — Prince Rupert on board VIA Rail
Reboard the train this morning, continuing west, enjoy the rugged beauty and pioneering character of a landscape once solely travelled by First Nation people and fur traders. The train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River and meanders through spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever-present mountain ridges.
Overnight: Prince Rupert
Day 8: Prince Rupert Sightseeing (Small Coach)
Depending on the month you are here, we recommend you join a grizzly bear tour where you will be taken into the pristine wilderness of Khutzeymateen, home of the largest population of grizzly bear OR join a whale-watching excursion, where you will see whales diving, flashing enormous fan shaped tails and feeding with vast open mouths.
Overnight: Prince Rupert
Day 9: Prince Rupert — Port Hardy (BC Ferry)
Board the BC Ferry for a full day boat trip through the spectacular Inside Passage to Vancouver Island. You will sail through a maze of islands, view deep fjords, densely forested shorelines, massive ice-flows and jagged inlets. Watch bald eagles soaring overhead, sea lions slumbering on the rocks and whales traversing the offshore waters.
Overnight: Port Hardy
Day 10: Port Hardy — Victoria (Coach)
Travel by scheduled coach along the scenic Island Highway, through the forest clad mountains of the interior and along a spectacular coastline dotted with charming fishing villages. Enjoy sweeping views of the shoreline and the distant Coast Mountains. Arrive in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, experience the very English ambience of this delightful city, with historic buildings, gorgeous gardens and relaxed seaside atmosphere.This afternoon visit the Royal BC Museum and experience the limited time Egypt: Time of Pharaohs exhibit. Experience a time when civilization grew along the Nile, pyramids dotted the skyline and people believed gods walked among us. Be among the first in North America to see this staggering exhibition's priceless ancient artifacts, such as the coffin of Nakht, an exceptional bust of Hatshepsut and an ornate gold and garnet necklace from the Ptolemaic period.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Day 11: Victoria Sightseeing
Have the choice today of joining the luxurious five star supercat whale-watching excursion or a zipline Eco-Adventure provided by Zipline Adventure Tours. Experience an exhilarating ride up to 60km/hr as you soar up to 150 feet off the ground on eight scenic zip lines ranging from 150 feet to an unforgettable 1000 feet OR a whale watching excursion with over 80 resident orcas and numerous transient orcas you will be out on the water for over 3 hours, OR join an exhilarating zipline ride on eight scenic ziplines sprawled across 40 hectares of ecologically diverse coastal temperate rainforest.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Day 12: Victoria — Vancouver (Coach/Ferry)
Depart Victoria for a tour along scenic Marine Drive passing Beacon Hill Park, Oak Bay Residential district, Uplands and the University of Victoria. The tour will then stop at the Butchart Gardens with it's 50 acre display of magnificent colour for 2 hours. Continue onboard BC Ferries and enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross to Vancouver. Package ends upon arrival in Vancouver.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
(does not include applicable taxes)
Gold Leaf Service Upgrade available for $560 USD.
(does not include applicable taxes)
Gold Leaf Service Upgrade available for $560 USD.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 11 nights of accommodation
- Rocky Mountaineer rail tour in SilverLeaf Service
- VIA Rail from Jasper to Prince Rupert in touring class
- Meals included on board the train
- Transportation
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Experience this spectacular rail journey through the Canadian Rockies combining exemplary service with stunning scenery onboard Rocky Mountaineer. This luxurious train travels daylight from April...
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
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Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
12RO
12 Day Rail, Rockies, and Ocean Circle Explorer
12 days
Created On: 21 Nov 2024
Highlights
- Evening wildlife safari
- Discover Banff guided tour
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
- Columbia Icefields tour
- Ice Explorer ride
- Grizzly bear tour (season dependent) OR whale watching excursion
- Jasper SkyTram elevation pass
- BC Ferry full day boat trip through the Inside Passage to Vancouver Island
- Butchart Gardens
- Choice of Victoria activity (whale watching excursion OR zipline adventure)
- Royal BC Museum
- Rocky Mountaineer
- VIA Rail
Inclusions
- 11 nights of accommodation
- Rocky Mountaineer rail tour in SilverLeaf Service
- VIA Rail from Jasper to Prince Rupert in touring class
- Meals included on board the train
- Transportation
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
Exclusions
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Moderate
Vancouver
Vancouver
$4,550 USD
Superior
Vancouver
Vancouver
$5,050 USD
Deluxe
Vancouver
Vancouver
$5,550 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* (does not include applicable taxes)
Gold Leaf Service Upgrade available for $560 USD.
* (does not include applicable taxes)
Gold Leaf Service Upgrade available for $560 USD.
Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver — Kamloops on board Rocky Mountaineer (SilverLeaf)
This morning depart onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia's interior. Todays journey will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains.
Overnight: Kamloops
Day 2: Vancouver — Kamloops onboard Rocky Mountaineer (SilverLeaf)
Continue eastward with Rocky Mountaineer to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. You will see a spectacular range of scenery as you travel across ranch lands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight: Banff
Day 3: Banff Sightseeing (Small Coach)
Join a small group tour and visit Banff's landmarks and historic places. The afternoon is free to explore Banff at your leisure; a pass is included to take a ride up the Banff Gondola. In the evening travel through a variety of landscapes on a small group evening wildlife safari.
Overnight: Banff
Day 4: Banff — Lake Louise (Coach)
Travel along the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon. Visit Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks before crossing the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via the scenic Kicking Horse Pass and Takakkaw Falls. Overnight at the jewel of the Rockies, stunning Lake Louise.
Overnight: Lake Louise
Day 5: Lake Louise — Jasper via Columbia Icefield (Small Coach)
Travel to Jasper along one of the most scenic drives in North America - the Columbia Icefields Parkway. This is home for black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, mountain goats and sheep. Visit the Columbia Icefield, a series of glaciers 325 square kilometres in area, where time is allowed for an Ice Explorer ride onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 6: Jasper — Prince George on board VIA Rail
This morning ride the Jasper SkyTram to the top of Whistlers Mountain. In the afternoon embark on a memorable rail journey across British Columbia's Caribou region to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Pass the cloud-veiled peak of Mount Robson and watch the horizons widen as the train descends from the Rockies onto the rugged interior plateau.
Overnight: Prince George
Day 7: Prince George — Prince Rupert on board VIA Rail
Reboard the train this morning, continuing west, enjoy the rugged beauty and pioneering character of a landscape once solely travelled by First Nation people and fur traders. The train follows the turbulent currents of the Skeena River and meanders through spectacular canyons and open valleys in the presence of ever-present mountain ridges.
Overnight: Prince Rupert
Day 8: Prince Rupert Sightseeing (Small Coach)
Depending on the month you are here, we recommend you join a grizzly bear tour where you will be taken into the pristine wilderness of Khutzeymateen, home of the largest population of grizzly bear OR join a whale-watching excursion, where you will see whales diving, flashing enormous fan shaped tails and feeding with vast open mouths.
Overnight: Prince Rupert
Day 9: Prince Rupert — Port Hardy (BC Ferry)
Board the BC Ferry for a full day boat trip through the spectacular Inside Passage to Vancouver Island. You will sail through a maze of islands, view deep fjords, densely forested shorelines, massive ice-flows and jagged inlets. Watch bald eagles soaring overhead, sea lions slumbering on the rocks and whales traversing the offshore waters.
Overnight: Port Hardy
Day 10: Port Hardy — Victoria (Coach)
Travel by scheduled coach along the scenic Island Highway, through the forest clad mountains of the interior and along a spectacular coastline dotted with charming fishing villages. Enjoy sweeping views of the shoreline and the distant Coast Mountains. Arrive in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, experience the very English ambience of this delightful city, with historic buildings, gorgeous gardens and relaxed seaside atmosphere.This afternoon visit the Royal BC Museum and experience the limited time Egypt: Time of Pharaohs exhibit. Experience a time when civilization grew along the Nile, pyramids dotted the skyline and people believed gods walked among us. Be among the first in North America to see this staggering exhibition's priceless ancient artifacts, such as the coffin of Nakht, an exceptional bust of Hatshepsut and an ornate gold and garnet necklace from the Ptolemaic period.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Day 11: Victoria Sightseeing
Have the choice today of joining the luxurious five star supercat whale-watching excursion or a zipline Eco-Adventure provided by Zipline Adventure Tours. Experience an exhilarating ride up to 60km/hr as you soar up to 150 feet off the ground on eight scenic zip lines ranging from 150 feet to an unforgettable 1000 feet OR a whale watching excursion with over 80 resident orcas and numerous transient orcas you will be out on the water for over 3 hours, OR join an exhilarating zipline ride on eight scenic ziplines sprawled across 40 hectares of ecologically diverse coastal temperate rainforest.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Day 12: Victoria — Vancouver (Coach/Ferry)
Depart Victoria for a tour along scenic Marine Drive passing Beacon Hill Park, Oak Bay Residential district, Uplands and the University of Victoria. The tour will then stop at the Butchart Gardens with it's 50 acre display of magnificent colour for 2 hours. Continue onboard BC Ferries and enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross to Vancouver. Package ends upon arrival in Vancouver.
